System for sensing vehicle motion and environmental conditions

ABSTRACT

A system and method for deterring theft of a marine vehicles is provided. The system is designed to collect barometric pressure data and analyze it to determine whether there has been a sudden change in elevation that may be indicative of a theft. The system is also designed to collect environmental data pertaining to a marine vehicle&#39;s normal environment and compare it to a normal environmental state of the marine vehicle in order to detect changes that may be indicative of a theft. Additionally, the system is designed to monitor equipment of the marine vehicle and alert a user if the equipment has been moved in a way that may be indicative of a theft. When the system determines an event has occurred that may be indicative of a theft, the system may alert the user by triggering an alarm via a computer readable signal.

CROSS REFERENCES

This application is a continuation of a co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/035,679 filed Jul. 15, 2018, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/532,994, filed onJul. 15, 2017, in which both applications are incorporated herein intheir entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject matter of the present disclosure refers generally to asecurity system for marine vehicles.

BACKGROUND

The average marine vehicle theft payout is one of the highest of allforms of insurance payouts. This is due to how few marine vehicles arerecovered after having been stolen, resulting in a complete loss. As aconsequence, insurance premiums are higher for marine vehicles than theycould be if more marine vehicles were recovered. Alternatively, premiumsmay be even lower if the number of marine vehicles theft attempts wereto drastically drop. However, current technology used to prevent marinevehicle theft is somewhat lacking. The simplest theft deterrent systemsused for preventing marine vehicle theft include trailer locks,propeller locks, and wheel boots. These methods may prevent thievesstealing a marine vehicle temporarily, but they do not alert the owneror anyone nearby of the attempted theft. Additionally, potential marinevehicle thieves are only temporarily deterred instead of outrightdissuaded from attempting to steal a marine vehicle fitted with suchdevices. This allows a thief to return better prepared at a later dateto steal the marine vehicle without raising suspicion from the firstattempt.

More advanced theft deterrent systems may use sensors to detect motion,noise, vibrations, rocking, acceleration, and geolocation. Motionsensors, noise sensors, and vibration sensors monitor changes in themarine vehicle's environment, but these sensors are not always desirablefor marine vehicles stored in water since the natural motion of a boatin water may trigger an alarm. These more modern theft deterrent systemsuse accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine when a marine vehicle isin motion, but these systems only alert a user when the marine vehicleis moving from one location to another. Global positioning systems arealso used to determine the location of a marine vehicle, but like theaccelerometer and gyroscope only alert the user of a theft when themarine vehicle is already moving from one place to another.Additionally, current technology that uses accelerometers and gyroscopesto prevent the theft of boats may not always determine exactly when atheft is in progress. For instance, a marine vehicle located in a boatlift may have already been lowered to the water before an alarm istriggered if the thief lowers the boat at a rate slow enough that it maynot register as anything more than noise by the accelerometer. Thus, themore modern theft deterrent systems are not as optimal at preventingboat theft as much as they are at recovering stolen marine vehicles.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system and method formonitoring the motion and environment of a marine vehicle to sensesudden changes that may indicate a theft before the marine vehicle isbeing moved from one geolocation to another.

DESCRIPTION

A theft deterrent system for marine vehicles is provided. In one aspect,the tool is a system and method for securing marine vehicles bytriggering a computer-readable signal when there is a change in thebarometric pressure that may indicate a potential theft. In anotheraspect, the tool is a system for determining the normal environment of amarine vehicle and monitoring that normal environment for changes.Generally, the system and method of the present disclosure are designedto alert a user of a changed environmental state to prevent the theft ofa marine vehicle. In the event of an attempted theft, the system andmethod of the present discloser are designed to alert a user via analarm.

The system of the present disclosure may comprise at least onebarometer, at least one accelerometer, at least one gyroscope, aprocessor operably connected to the at least one barometer, at least oneaccelerometer, and at least one gyroscope, a communication deviceoperably connected to the processor, a power supply, and anon-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to the processor andhaving instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions instructthe processor to perform specified tasks. The at least one barometer, atleast one accelerometer, and at least one gyroscope may be operablyconnected to the processor in a way such that the barometric pressuredata, acceleration data, and angular velocity data may be transmittedfrom the at least one barometer, at least one accelerometer, and atleast one gyroscope to the processor. The system may use this data tocalculate the normal environmental state, current environmental state,and changed environmental state.

The at least one barometer may be secured on a marine vehicle in a waysuch that it may measure the air pressure experienced by a marinevehicle. In an embodiment, the air pressure may be detected in the formof barometric pressure. As the marine vehicle changes elevation, thebarometric pressure experienced by a marine vehicle changes. In anembodiment, the pressure changes detected by the at least one barometermay be converted into elevation changes by the processor. The at leastone accelerometer may be secured on a marine vehicle in a way such thatit may measure the translational motion experienced by the marinevehicle. In an embodiment, the translational motions may be detected inthe form of acceleration. The direction in which acceleration isdetected is dependent on the type of accelerometer and the orientationof the at least one accelerometer. The at least one gyroscope may besecured on a marine vehicle in a way such that it may measure therotational motions experienced by a marine vehicle. In an embodiment,the rotational motions may be detected in the form of angular velocity.The axis about which angular velocity is detected is dependent on thetype of gyroscope and the orientation of the at least one gyroscope.

Once barometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocitydata have been measured and transmitted to the processor, the barometricpressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity data may becombined to determine a normal state of motion for the marine vehicle. Anormal state of motion may be defined as the motion that a marinevehicle normally experiences in its environment. In a preferredembodiment, the normal state of motion may comprise of a range of motionin which a marine vehicle normally experiences in its environment. Theprocessor may also calculate a current state of motion as barometricpressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity data are receivedfrom the at least one barometer, at least one accelerometer, and atleast one gyroscope. A current state of motion may be defined as thestate of motion the marine vehicle is experiencing in real time. Thenormal state of motion and current state of motion may compriseacceleration data and angular velocity data in a single direction aswell as acceleration data and angular velocity data in multipledirections. The normal state of motion and current state of motion maycomprise barometric pressure data in the form of an elevation change.The normal state of motion and current state of motion may comprisefewer barometric pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity datapoints than may be measured by the at least one barometer, at least oneaccelerometer, and at least one gyroscope.

Once the barometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angularvelocity data are combined to create a current state of motion, theprocessor may determine whether there has been a changed state of motionby comparing the current state of motion to the normal state of motion.A changed state of motion may be defined as any deviation from thenormal state of the motion of the system that may indicate that themarine vehicle is being stolen or has been boarded without permission.In an embodiment, a sudden deviation from the normal state of motion maycause the system to determine that a changed state of motion hasoccurred. The system may determine whether a changed state of motion hasoccurred continuously or intermittently. When the processor determinesthat a changed state of motion has occurred, the processor may transmita computer-readable signal. A computer-readable signal may be any signalthat may cause an action in response to a changed state of motion. Inthis way, the system may prevent an unwanted entry or theft of a marinevehicle when a user is not present.

In another embodiment, at least one sensor may be secured on a marinevehicle in a way such that it may measure environmental conditions ofthe marine vehicle and transmit environmental data to the processor todetermine a normal environmental state. An environmental condition maybe defined as external conditions experienced by a marine vehicle. Typesof sensors that may be used as an at least one sensor include, but arenot limited to, a microphone, turbidity sensor, thermometer, humiditysensor, passive infrared sensor, light sensor, lightning sensor,vibration sensor, ultrasonic sensor, electronics sensor, engine monitor,microwave sensor, radar, wind transducer, compass, depth transducer,speed transducer, area reflective sensor, global positioning system, atleast one barometer, at least one gyroscope, at least one accelerometer,and camera, or any combination thereof. Therefore, the at least onesensor may detect a variety of environmental conditions and transmitenvironmental data regarding these environmental conditions to theprocessor. Once environmental data has been transmitted to theprocessor, the environmental data may be combined to determine a normalenvironmental state for the marine vehicle.

A normal environmental state may be defined as the environmentalconditions that a marine vehicle normally experiences in itsenvironment. In a preferred embodiment, the normal environmental statemay comprise of a range of environmental conditions in which a marinevehicle normally experiences in its environment. The processor may alsocalculate a current environmental state as environmental data isreceived from the at least one sensor. A current environmental state maybe defined as the environmental conditions the marine vehicle isexperiencing in real time. The data contained within a normalenvironmental state and current environmental state may be as varied asthe at least one sensors operably connected to the processor. Once theenvironmental data is combined to create a current environmental state,the processor may determine whether there has been a changedenvironmental state by comparing the current environmental state to thenormal environmental state. A changed environmental state may be definedas any deviation from the normal environmental state of the system thatmay indicate that the marine vehicle is being stolen or has been boardedwithout permission. In an embodiment, a sudden deviation from the normalenvironmental state may cause the system to determine that a changedenvironmental state has occurred. When the processor determines that achanged environmental state has occurred, the processor may transmit acomputer-readable signal to trigger an alarm.

A method triggering a computer-readable signal is also disclosed herein.In an embodiment, a user may select a normal state of motion and normalenvironmental state for the system. The processor may then check todetermine if the system is activated. If the processor determines thatthe system is activated, the processor may check for the presence of auser. If the processor determines that the user is not present, theprocessor may receive barometric pressure data, acceleration data, andangular velocity data from the at least one barometer, at least oneaccelerometer, and at least one gyroscope, respectively. The processormay then combine the acceleration data and angular velocity data tocreate a current state of motion. Once a current state of motion hasbeen created, the processor may determine whether a changed state ofmotion has occurred by comparing the current state of motion the normalstate of motion of the system. If the processor determines that achanged state of motion has occurred, the processor may transmit acomputer-readable signal to alert the user. If the processor determinesthat a changed state of motion has not occurred, the system maycontinuously perform a check until the system is deactivated, a user ispresent, or an alarm is trigger by some other means.

The foregoing summary has outlined some features of the system andmethod of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the pertinentart may better understand the detailed description that follows.Additional features that form the subject of the claims will bedescribed hereinafter. Those skilled in the pertinent art shouldappreciate that they can readily utilize these features for designing ormodifying other structures for carrying out the same purpose of thesystem and method disclosed herein. Those skilled in the pertinent artshould also realize that such equivalent designs or modifications do notdepart from the scope of the system and method of the presentdisclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system embodying features consistentwith the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an example of a marine vehicle having a system embodyingfeatures consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example of a current state of motion embodying featuresconsistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an example of a normal state of motion embodying featuresconsistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a changedenvironmental state consistent with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a changedstate of motion consistent with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining when totransmit a computer-readable signal to trigger an alarm consistent withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a normalenvironmental state consistent with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claimsbelow, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particularfeatures, including method steps, of the invention. It is to beunderstood that the disclosure of the invention in this specificationincludes all possible combinations of such particular features. Forexample, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of aparticular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim,that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combinationwith/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments ofthe invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, steps, etc. are optionally present. Forexample, a system “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain onlycomponents A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C,but also one or more other components. The term “object database” andgrammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean a NoSQLdatabase. The term “barometer” and grammatical equivalents thereof areused herein to mean a barometric pressure sensor.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or moredefined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order orsimultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), andthe method can include one or more other steps which are carried outbefore any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, orafter all the defined steps (except where the context excludes thatpossibility). Where reference is made to a change in a marine vehicle'senvironment, the change may be positive or negative. For instance, adecrease in elevation may be referred to as a negative elevation changewhereas an increase in elevation may be referred to as a positiveelevation change.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 of the present disclosure maycomprise at least one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, atleast one gyroscope 126, a processor 116 operably connected to the atleast one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at leastone gyroscope 126, a communication device 121 operably connected to theprocessor 116, a power supply 130, and a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium 115 coupled to the processor 116 and havinginstructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions instruct theprocessor 116 to perform specified tasks.

As a marine vehicle 205 experiences various forces throughout the daywhile equipped with the system 100, the system 100 may measure theforces experienced by the marine vehicle 205. In an embodiment, thesystem 100 may measure these forces in the form of barometric pressure,acceleration, and angular velocity. The system 100 may utilize thebarometric pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity experienced bythe marine vehicle 205 in its environment 200 as input to be analyzed todetermine whether there has been an abnormal change in the environment200 in which the marine vehicle 205 is located. An environment 200 maybe, but is not limited to a boat slip, boat lift, dry storage, andtrailer. Because the system 100 may use multiple barometers,accelerometers, and gyroscopes, the at least one accelerometer 127 andat least one gyroscope 126 may be configured to detect forcesexperienced by the marine vehicle 205 within the region of the marinevehicle 205 to which the at least one barometer 128, at least oneaccelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126 corresponds. If theprocessor 116 determines there has been abnormal change in theenvironment 200 in which the marine vehicle 205 is located, theprocessor 116 may transmit a computer-readable signal to trigger analarm.

The at least one barometer 128 may be secured on a marine vehicle 205 ina way such that it may measure the air pressure experienced by a marinevehicle 205. In an embodiment, the air pressure may be detected in theform of barometric pressure. As the marine vehicle 205 changes elevation316, the barometric pressure experienced by a marine vehicle 205changes. In an embodiment, the pressure changes detected by the at leastone barometer 128 may be converted into elevation changes by theprocessor 116. For instance, a marine vehicle 205 exactly at sea levelmay experience an air pressure of 101325 Pascal (Pa). When that marinevehicle 205 reaches the crest of a wave fifteen feet above sea level,the marine vehicle 205 may experience an air pressure of 101271 Pa. Bytaking the difference between the barometric pressure at sea level andthe barometric pressure at the crest of the wave, the system 100 maydetermine the distance the wave measures above sea level, which mayallow the system 100 to determine the type of environment 200 the marinevehicle 205 is located. Because the system 100 uses very small changesin the barometric pressure experienced by the marine vehicle 205 todetermine elevation changes, the at least one barometer 128 of apreferred embodiment is an aneroid barometer. Additionally, because theenvironmental conditions experienced by a marine vehicle 205 may berough, the more durable and portable aneroid barometer may bepreferable. However, there may be embodiments that use a mercurybarometer or other type of barometer.

The at least one accelerometer 127 may be secured on a marine vehicle205 in a way such that it may measure the translational motionexperienced by the marine vehicle 205. In an embodiment, thetranslational motions may be detected in the form of acceleration. Thedirection in which acceleration is detected is dependent on the type ofaccelerometer and the orientation of the at least one accelerometer 127.In an embodiment, the at least one accelerometer 127 may be positionedon a marine vehicle 205 in a way such that it may measure surge 210,sway 220, or heave 230. For instance, a one-dimensional accelerometermay be set about an axis of the marine vehicle 205 to determine theamount of surge 210 the marine vehicle 205 experiences. Surge 210 may bedefined as the force imparted by environmental conditions on a marinevehicle 205 from bow to stern (front to back). Sway 220 may be definedas the force imparted by environmental conditions on a marine vehicle205 from port to starboard (side to side). Heave 230 may be defined asthe vertical force (up and down) imparted by environmental conditions ona marine vehicle 205. Surge 210, sway 220, and heave 230 may be positiveor negative. For instance, a positive surge 210 may be defined as surge210 experienced by a marine vehicle 205 from bow to stern whereasnegative surge 210 may be defined as surge 210 experienced by a marinevehicle 205 from stern to bow.

In an embodiment, the at least one accelerometer 127 may detectacceleration in three directions so that the amount of surge 210, sway220, and heave 230 a marine vehicle 205 experiences may be recorded. Forinstance, as shown in FIG. 2, a single at least one accelerometer 127may be secured to the center of the marine vehicle 205 to measure theacceleration experienced by a central location within the marine vehicle205. Alternatively, multiple at least one accelerometers 127 may besecured to different regions of a marine vehicle 205. In this way, thesystem 100 may measure the different amounts of translational forcescertain regions of a marine vehicle 205 may experience so it may moreaccurately determine movement of a marine vehicle 205. For instance, atleast one accelerometer 127 may be attached to the bow and another tothe stern of a marine vehicle 205 so the different amounts of heave 230experienced by the ends of the marine vehicle 205 may be measured. Amarine vehicle 205 experiencing greater amounts of heave 230 in the bowthan the stern may indicate that the marine vehicle 205 is beingpropelled quickly through the water by a motor operably connected to apropeller. Alternatively, the system 100 may average the translationalmotion experienced by a marine vehicle 205 so it may more accuratelydetermine translational motion of a marine vehicle 205. For instance, atleast one accelerometer 127 may be attached to the bow, center, andstern of a marine vehicle 205 so that the acceleration readings may beaveraged by the system 100 to get more accurate readings concerning thetranslational forces experienced by the marine vehicle 205.Alternatively, the system 100 may take the median value of the surge210, sway 220, and heave 230 as measured by multiple at least oneaccelerometers 127.

The at least one gyroscope 126 may be secured on a marine vehicle 205 ina way such that it may measure the rotational motions experienced by amarine vehicle 205. In an embodiment, the rotational motions may bedetected in the form of angular velocity. The axis about which angularvelocity is detected is dependent on the type of gyroscope and theorientation of the at least one gyroscope 126. In an embodiment, the atleast one gyroscope 126 may be positioned on a marine vehicle 205 in away such that it may measure roll 215, pitch 225, and yaw 235. Forinstance, at least one gyroscope 126 that measures angular velocity inonly one direction may be set about an axis of the marine vehicle 205 todetermine the amount of roll 215 the marine vehicle 205 may experience.Roll 215 may be defined as the rotational force imparted byenvironmental conditions on a marine vehicle 205 around the axis madefrom bow to stern (front to back). Pitch 225 may be defined as therotational force imparted by environmental conditions on a marinevehicle 205 around the axis made from port to starboard (side to side).Yaw 235 may be defined as the rotational force imparted by environmentalconditions on a marine vehicle 205 around the vertical axis (up anddown).

The at least one gyroscope 126 may be secured within a marine vehicle205 in a way such that the at least one gyroscope 126 may measure theamount of roll 215, pitch 225, and yaw 235 that the marine vehicle 205is experiencing. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, a single at least onegyroscope 126 may be secured to the center of the marine vehicle 205 tomeasure the angular velocity experienced by the marine vehicle 205 as asingle unit. Alternatively, multiple at least one gyroscopes 126 may besecured to different regions of a marine vehicle 205. By measuring theroll 215, pitch 225, and yaw 235 at different points of a marine vehicle205, the system 100 may average the rotational movement experienced by amarine vehicle 205 so it may more accurately determine rotationalmovement of a marine vehicle 205. For instance, at least one gyroscope126 may be attached to the bow, center, and stern of a marine vehicle205 so that the readings may be averaged by the system 100 to get moreaccurate readings concerning the rotational forces experienced by themarine vehicle 205. Alternatively, the system 100 may take the medianvalue of the roll 215, pitch 225, and yaw 235 as measured by multiple atleast one gyroscopes 126. Pitch 215, roll 225, and yaw 235 may bepositive or negative. For instance, a positive pitch 215 may be definedas pitch 215 experienced by a marine vehicle 205 in a clockwisedirection whereas negative pitch 210 may be defined as pitch 210experienced by a marine vehicle 205 in a counter clockwise direction.

The at least one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and atleast one gyroscope 126 may be operably connected to the processor 116in a way such that the barometric pressure data, acceleration data, andangular velocity data may be transmitted from the at least one barometer128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126 tothe processor 116. The at least one barometer 128, at least oneaccelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126 may be operablyconnected to the processor 116 via a physical connection between the atleast one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at leastone gyroscope 126 and the processor 116. Alternatively, the at least onebarometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at least onegyroscope 126 may be wirelessly connected to the processor 116. Forinstance, to physically connect the at least one accelerometer 127 tothe processor 116, wiring suitable for transmitting signals may extendfrom the at least one accelerometer 127 to the processor 116. The atleast one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at leastone gyroscope 126 may be individually wired and operably connected tothe processor 116 or a single wire may connect multiple at least onebarometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at least onegyroscope 126 to the processor 116. In an embodiment, conduit may beused to protect the wiring. In an embodiment, signal processingcircuitry may be used for operably connecting the at least one barometer128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126 tothe processor 116. A wireless connection may be established viaBluetooth 121B or similar wireless technology configured to wirelesslyconnect two devices such that information or signals may be exchangedfrom one device to another.

The processor 116 is configured to perform the operations disclosedherein based on instructions stored within the system 100. The processor116 may process instructions for execution within computing device 110,including instructions stored in memory or on storage device, to displaygraphical information for a graphical user interface (GUI) on anexternal input/output device 135, such as a display. The processor 116may provide for coordination of the other components of a computingdevice 110, such as control of user interfaces 111, applications run bya computing device 110, and wireless communication by a communicationdevice 121 of the computing device 110. The processor 116 may be anyprocessor or microprocessor suitable for executing instructions. In someembodiments, the processor 116 may have a memory device therein orcoupled thereto suitable for storing the data, content, or otherinformation or material disclosed herein. In some instances, theprocessor 116 may be a component of a larger computing device 110. Acomputing device 110 that may house the processor 116 therein mayinclude, but are not limited to, laptops, desktops, workstations,personal digital assistants, servers, mainframes, cellular telephones,tablet computers, or any other similar device. Accordingly, theinventive subject matter disclosed herein, in full or in part, may beimplemented or utilized in devices including, but are not limited to,laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers,mainframes, cellular telephones, tablet computers, or any other similardevice.

The instructions may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readablemedium 115 that may be coupled to the processor 116, as shown in FIG. 1.Alternatively, the instructions may be stored or included within theprocessor 116. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable mediums mayinclude, but are not limited to, magnetic media such as hard disks,floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD ROM discs andDVDs; magneto-optical media such as optical discs; and hardware devicesthat are specially configured to store and perform instructions, such asread-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or flash memory. Thedescribed hardware devices may be configured to act as one or moresoftware modules in order to perform the operations disclosed herein.

Upon execution of the appropriate instructions, the processor 116 mayreceive barometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angularvelocity data transmitted by the at least one barometer 128, at leastone accelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126, respectively. Theforces detected by the at least one barometer 128, at least oneaccelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126 may be representativeof elevation 316, surge 210, sway 220, heave 230, roll 215, pitch 225,and yaw 235, depending on the type of accelerometer and gyroscope andthe orientation of the at least one accelerometer 127 and at least onegyroscope 126 on the marine vehicle 205. The marine vehicle's 205 motionmay be determined, at least in part, by the forces detected by the atleast one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at leastone gyroscope 126 transmitted to the processor 116.

In an embodiment, a communication device 121 may be operably connectedto the processor 116. A communication device 121 may be wired orwireless. A wireless communication device 121 may include, but is notlimited to, Wi-Fi 121A, Bluetooth 121B, ZigBee 121C, cellular 121D,marine very high frequency (VHF) 121E, marine very low frequency (VLF),and satellite 121F, or any combination thereof. A wired communicationdevice may include, but is not limited to, cable, fiber-optics, andtelephone lines, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, thesystem 100 may be configured in a way such that it may run locallywithout connecting to a wireless network. In situations where a wirelessnetwork is unavailable, the system 100 may continue to monitor a marinevehicle 205 and locally store the data on the non-transitorycomputer-readable medium 115. The system 100 may also alert a user 105by sending a computer readable signal to a wired communication device,which may sound an alarm.

In an embodiment, an encasing 120 may provide an enclosure to protectthe system 100. For instance, the encasing 120 may be rigid to protectthe internal components of the system 100 from impacts. For instance,the encasing 120 may be semi-flexible encasing to protect the system 100from impacts while allowing some flexibility. For instance, the encasing120 may be a soft encasing made of a flexible material such as a rubber.In an embodiment, the encasing is weather proof so that the internalcomponents of the system 100 may be protected from the environment 200,especially in regards to water.

Once barometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocitydata have been measured and transmitted to the processor 116, thebarometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity datamay be combined to determine a normal state of motion for the marinevehicle 205. A normal state of motion 400 may be defined as the motionthat a marine vehicle 205 normally experiences in its environment 200.In a preferred embodiment, the normal state of motion 400 may compriseof a range of motion in which a marine vehicle 205 normally experiencesin its environment 200. For instance, one normal state of motion 400, asillustrated by 405 in FIG. 4, may be indicative of the motion of amarine vehicle 205 tied to a buoy in terms of surge 210, sway 220, andheave 230, whereas another normal state of motion 400, as illustrate by410 in FIG. 4, may be indicative of a marine vehicle 205 tied to a buoyin terms of roll 215, pitch 225, and yaw 235. Yet another example of anormal state of motion 400, as illustrate by 415 in FIG. 4, may beindicative of a marine vehicle's 205 elevation 316 while in a boat slipat sea level. Thus, the system 100 may detect the barometric pressure,acceleration, and angular velocity of a marine vehicle 205 in one ormore directions and determine the normal state of motion 400 of thesystem 100 in terms of elevation 316, surge 210, sway 220, heave 230,roll 215, pitch 225, and yaw 235 so that it may be compared to a currentstate of motion 300.

The normal state of motion 400 may comprise acceleration data andangular velocity data in a single direction as well as acceleration dataand angular velocity data in multiple directions. For instance, a marinevehicle 205 having at least one accelerometer 127 measuring accelerationin two directions may have a normal state of motion 400 comprising surgeand heave data. For instance, a marine vehicle 205 having at least oneaccelerometer 127 measuring acceleration in three directions and atleast one gyroscope 126 measuring angular velocity in the two directionsmay have a normal state of motion 400 comprising surge, sway, heave,roll, and yaw data. The normal state of motion 400 may also comprisefewer acceleration and angular velocity data points than may be measuredby the at least one accelerometer 127 and at least one gyroscope 126.For instance, a marine vehicle 205 having at least one accelerometer 127measuring acceleration in two directions and at least one gyroscope 126measuring angular velocity in two directions may have a normal state ofmotion 400 comprising surge and yaw data. For instance, a marine vehicle205 having at least one accelerometer 127 measuring acceleration inthree directions and at least one gyroscope 126 measuring angularvelocity in one direction may have a normal state of motion 400comprising only surge data. As such, one with skill in the art willrecognize that a normal state of motion 400 may comprise a number ofdifferent combinations of data without departing from the inventivesubject matter as described herein.

The processor 116 may also calculate a current state of motion 300 asbarometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity dataare received from the at least one barometer 128, at least oneaccelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126. A current state ofmotion 300 may be defined as the motion the marine vehicle 205 isexperiencing in real time. For instance, one current state of motion300, as illustrated by 305 in FIG. 3, may be indicative of the presentmotion of a marine vehicle 205 moving through the water in terms ofsurge 210, sway 220, and heave 230, whereas another current state ofmotion 300, as illustrate by 310 in FIG. 3, may be indicative of thepresent motion of a marine vehicle 205 moving through the water in termsof roll 215, pitch 225, and yaw 235. Yet another example of a currentstate of motion 300, as illustrate by 315 in FIG. 3, may be indicativeof the present motion of a marine vehicle's 205 elevation 316 when beingtaken out of the water on a trailer. Thus, the system 100 may detect thebarometric pressure, acceleration, and angular velocity of a marinevehicle 205 in one or more directions and determine the current state ofmotion 300 of the system 100 so that it may be compared to the normalstate of motion 400.

The current state of motion 300 may comprise acceleration data andangular velocity data in a single direction as well as a current stateof motion 300 comprising acceleration data and angular velocity data inmultiple directions. For instance, a marine vehicle 205 having at leastone accelerometer 127 measuring acceleration in two directions may havea current state of motion 300 comprising surge and heave data. Forinstance, a marine vehicle 205 having at least one accelerometer 127measuring acceleration in three directions and at least one gyroscope126 measuring angular velocity in the two directions may have a currentstate of motion 300 comprising surge, sway, heave, roll, and yaw data.The current state of motion 300 may also comprise fewer acceleration andangular velocity data points than may be measured by the at least oneaccelerometer 127 and at least one gyroscope 126. For instance, a marinevehicle 205 having at least one accelerometer 127 measuring accelerationin two directions and at least one gyroscope 126 measuring angularvelocity in two directions may have a current state of motion 300comprising surge and yaw data. For instance, a marine vehicle 205 havingat least one accelerometer 127 measuring acceleration in threedirections and at least one gyroscope 126 measuring angular velocity inone direction may have a current state of motion 300 comprising onlysurge data. As such, one with skill in the art will recognize that acurrent state of motion 300 may comprise a number of differentcombinations of data without departing from the inventive subject matteras described herein.

Barometric pressure data may be measured and transmitted to theprocessor 116 so the barometric pressure data may be converted into anelevation 316 for use in a current state of motion 300 and normal stateof motion 400. The system 100 may be configured to determine thedifference between a slow barometric pressure change, which may beindicative of changes in weather, and a sharp barometric pressurechange, which may be indicative of changes in elevation. For instance, amarine vehicle 205 stored on a trailer experiencing slow barometricpressure change when sitting in one place and having a normal state ofmotion 400 of zero elevation change may not register an elevationchange. However, when that marine vehicle 205 moves over roads withvarying degrees of elevation 316, the marine vehicle 205 may experiencea sharp increase in the barometric pressure, causing the system 100 toregister an elevation change. This in turn may cause the current stateof motion 300 to be different than what the system 100 expected via thenormal state of motion 400. For instance, a marine vehicle 205 stored ona boat lift will experience a change in barometric pressure as it israised out of the water or lowered into the water. The marine vehicle's205 normal state of motion 400 may be zero elevation change when sittingin the boat lift. However, when that marine vehicle 205 is lowered intothe water, the marine vehicle 205 will experience a negative elevationchange, meaning the current state of motion 300 may be different thanwhat the system 100 expected via the normal state of motion 400.Accordingly, the at least one barometer 128 may determine the currentstate of motion 300 and compare that to the normal state of motion 400to detect when there has been a changed state of motion experienced by amarine vehicle 205.

Once the barometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angularvelocity data are combined to create a current state of motion 300, theprocessor 116 may determine whether there has been a changed state ofmotion by comparing the current state of motion 300 to the normal stateof motion 400. A changed state of motion may be defined as any deviationfrom the normal state of the motion 400 of the system 100 that mayindicate that the marine vehicle 205 is being stolen or has been boardedwithout permission. In an embodiment, a sudden deviation from the normalstate of motion 400 may cause the system 100 to determine that a changedstate of motion has occurred. The system 100 may determine whether achanged state of motion has occurred continuously or intermittently. Forinstance, a processor 116 continuously receiving data from the at leastone barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at least onegyroscope 126 may continuously calculate a current state of motion 300and compare that to a normal state of motion 400 of the marine vehicle205 to continuously determine whether a changed state of motion hasoccurred. For instance, a processor 116 receiving data from the at leastone barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at least onegyroscope 126 every two seconds may calculate a current state of motion300 and compare that to a normal state of motion 400 of the marinevehicle 205 as often as the processor 116 receives the data tointermittently determine whether a changed state of motion has occurred.

When the processor 116 determines that a changed state of motion hasoccurred, the processor 116 may transmit a computer-readable signal. Acomputer-readable signal may be any signal that may cause an action inresponse to a changed state of motion. For instance, the processor 116may transmit a computer-readable signal that may cause a camera 129 totransmit video data to a computing device 110 operably connected to theprocessor 116 in order to collect video data to determine what causedthe changed state of motion. For instance, the processor 116 maytransmit a computer-readable signal that may cause a light sourceoperably connected to the processor 116 to continuously flash on an offto warn of an intrusion. For instance, the processor 116 may transmit acomputer-readable signal that may cause an audio device 123 operablyconnected to the processor 116 to emit a loud noise to warn of anintrusion. For instance, the processor 116 may transmit acomputer-readable signal that may cause a wireless communication device121 to send a message to a computing device 110, stipulating that themarine vehicle 205 has experience a changed state of motion. Forinstance, the processor 116 may transmit a computer-readable signal thatmay cause a wireless communication device 121 to send a message to acomputing device 110, said message containing geospatial data detailingthe geolocation of the marine vehicle 205. For instance, the processor116 may transmit a computer-readable signal that may send a kill signalto the motor in a way such that it deactivates the motor. Only a user105 having the appropriate permissions may reactivate the motor. In thisway, the system 100 may prevent an unwanted changed state of motion whena user 105 is not present.

In an embodiment, a plurality of normal states of motion 146 may bestored within the non-transitory computer-readable medium 115 of thesystem 100 in a way such that a user 105 may choose the normal state ofmotion 400 for marine vehicle 205, wherein each normal state of motion400 of the plurality of normal states of motion 146 may be indicative offorces a marine vehicle 205 may experience in an environment 200, suchas the example normal state of motion 400 illustrated in FIG. 4. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium 115 may store normal states ofmotion 400 comprising acceleration data and angular velocity data in asingle direction as well as normal states of motion 400 comprisingacceleration data and angular velocity data in multiple directions. Forinstance, one normal state of motion 400, as illustrate by 405 in FIG.4, may be indicative of motion in terms of surge 210, sway 220, andheave 230, whereas another normal state of motion 400, as illustrated by410 in FIG. 4, may be indicative of motion in terms of roll 215, pitch225, and yaw 235.

Yet another example of a normal state of motion 400, as illustrate by415 in FIG. 4, may be indicative of the normal state of motion 400 of amarine vehicle's 205 elevation change when removed from the water. In anembodiment, the system 100 may be configured to warn a user 105 when themarine vehicle 205 has been removed from the water. For instance, thenormal state of motion 400 may be set as “in water,” so when the system100 determines that the marine vehicle 205 has been removed from thewater, it alerts the user 105 by sending the user a text message. Inanother embodiment, the system 100 may create a custom normal state ofmotion 400 based on data received by the processor 116 from the at leastone barometer 128, at least one gyroscope 126, and at least oneaccelerometer 127 and store it on said non-transitory computer-readablemedium 115. In this way, a user 105 may create a custom normal state ofmotion 400 for the system 100 of a particular environment 200.

Alternatively, the system 100 may store the plurality of normal statesof motion 146 in a database 145 operably connected to the processor 116.The database 145 may be a relational database such that the barometricpressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity data associatedwith each normal state of motion within the plurality of normal statesof motion 146 may be stored, at least in part, in one or more tables.Alternatively, the database 145 may be an object database such that thebarometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity dataassociated with each normal state of motion 400 within the plurality ofnormal states of motion 146 may be stored, at least in part, as objects.In some instances, the database 145 may comprise a relational and/orobject database and a server 140 dedicated solely to managing thecontent assigned to normal states of motion in the manner disclosedherein. In an embodiment, the server 140 may be operably connected tothe processor 116 and the database 145 in a way such that the server 140may receive the barometric pressure data, acceleration data, angularvelocity data, and environmental data from the processor 116 andsubsequently transfer the acceleration data, angular velocity data, andenvironmental data to the database 145.

In an embodiment, a server 140 may be a search server, a documentindexing server, and general web server. Servers 140 may be separateentities performing different functions or similar functions. Forinstance, two or more servers 140 may be implemented to work as a singleserver 140 performing the same tasks. Alternatively, one server 140 mayperform the functions of multiple servers 140. For instance, a singleserver 140 may perform the tasks of a web server and an indexing server.Although represented as a single server 140 in FIG. 1, it is understoodthat multiple servers 140 may be used to operably connect the processor116 to the database 145 and/or the content repositories. The processor116 may be operably connected to the server 140 via wired or wirelessconnection.

Search servers may include one or more computing devices 110 designed toimplement a search engine, such as a documents/records search engine,general webpage search engine, etc. Search servers may, for example, mayinclude one or more web servers to receive search queries and/or inputsfrom users 105, search one or more databases 145 in response to thesearch queries and/or inputs, and provide documents or information,relevant to the search queries and/or inputs, to users 105. In someimplementations, search servers may include a web search server that mayprovide webpages to users 105, where a provided webpage may include areference to a web server at which the desired information and/or linksis located. The references, to the web server at which the desiredinformation is located, may be included in a frame and/or text box, oras a link to the desired information/document.

Document indexing servers may include one or more computing devices 110designed to index documents available through networks. Documentindexing servers may access other servers 140, such as web servers thathost content, to index the content. In some implementations, documentindexing servers may index documents/records stored by other servers 140connected to the network. Document indexing servers may, for example,store and index content, information, and documents relating to user 105accounts and user-generated content. Web servers may include servers 140that provide webpages to clients. For instance, the webpages may beHTML-based webpages. A web server may host one or more websites. Awebsite, as the term is used herein, may refer to a collection ofrelated webpages. Frequently, a website may be associated with a singledomain name, although some websites may potentially encompass more thanone domain name. The concepts described herein may be applied on aper-website basis. Alternatively, in some implementations, the conceptsdescribed herein may be applied on a per-webpage basis.

In an embodiment, at least one input/output connector 122 may beoperably connected to the processor 116. The input/output deviceconnector may be housed within an encasing. In an embodiment, aninput/output device 135 may be operably connected to the processor 116via the at least one input/output connector 122. In another embodiment,the processor 116 may be wirelessly connected to the input/output device135 via Bluetooth 121B or similar wireless technology configured towirelessly connect two devices in a way such that information or signalsmay be exchanged from one device to another. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium 115 may contain a plurality of input/outputdevice functions that may be selected by a user 105, wherein eachinput/output device function within the plurality of input/output devicefunctions may contain input/output device instructions, which, whenexecuted by the processor 116, may cause the input/output device 135 toperform an action. For instance, an input/output device function maycontain instructions that cause a light source to turn on and offrepeatedly. For instance, an input/output device function may containinstructions that cause an audio device to emit a loud noise. Aninput/output device 135 may include, but is not limited to, a camera129, audio device 123, light source, display, and kill switch, or anycombination thereof. Alternatively, the input/output device 135 may beoperably connected to the processor 116 via a physical connection, suchas through a National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) device.

In another embodiment, at least one sensor 125 may be secured on amarine vehicle 205 in a way such that it may measure environmentalconditions of the marine vehicle 205 and transmit environmental data tothe processor 116. An environmental condition may be defined as externalconditions experienced by a marine vehicle 205. Types of sensors thatmay be used as an at least one sensor 125 include, but are not limitedto, a microphone 124, turbidity sensor 125A, thermometer 125B, humiditysensor 125C, passive infrared sensor 125D, light sensor 125E, lightningsensor 125F, vibration sensor 125G, electronics sensor 12511, enginemonitor 125I, microwave sensor 125J, radar 125K, wind transducer 125L,compass 125M, depth transducer 125N, speed transducer 125O, globalpositioning system (GPS) 125P, at least one gyroscope 126, at least oneaccelerometer 127, at least one barometer 128, and camera 129, or anycombination thereof. In another embodiment, the at least one sensor maycomprise of an ultrasonic sensor and area reflective sensor. Therefore,the at least one sensor 125 may measure a variety of types ofenvironmental data and transmit that data to the processor 116. Once theprocessor 116 has received the environmental data, the processor 116 maydetermine whether a changed environmental state has occurred. Onceenvironmental data has been measured and transmitted to the processor116, the environmental data may be combined to determine a normalenvironmental state for the marine vehicle 205.

In another embodiment, the system 100 may comprise an indoor positioningsystem (IPS). An IPS may locate peripheral devices 180 using radiowaves, magnetic fields, acoustic signals, or other sensory information.In an embodiment, the IPS may use trilateration and triangulationmethods to determine if a peripheral device 180 is located on the marinevehicle 205. An IPS may determine a peripheral device's 180 positionusing, but not limited to, anchor nodes, magnetic positioning, and deadreckoning, or any combination thereof. Anchor nodes are devices withknown positions. In an embodiment, a wireless communication device 121,such as a Wi-Fi access point or Bluetooth beacon, may act as an anchornode. In another embodiment, an at least one sensor 125 may act as ananchor node. A peripheral device 180 may be connected to the IPS in away such that the system 100 may monitor the location of the peripheraldevice 180. If the IPS determines that the peripheral device 180 hasbeen removed from the marine vehicle 205, the system 100 may trigger analarm. For instance, a cooler having a radio frequency identification(RFID) tag may be placed on a marine vehicle having a system 100 with anIPS. The IPS of the system 100 may monitor the RFID tag of the cooler inorder to determine whether the cooler is on the marine vehicle 205. Ifthe system 100 determines that the cooler has been removed from themarine vehicle 205, the system 100 may trigger an alarm. In anembodiment, a user 105 may add or remove peripheral devices 180 from theIPS of the system 100.

In an embodiment, the system 100 may capture identifying addresses froman attached peripheral device 180. An identifying address may be, but isnot limited to, basic service set identifier (BSSID), extended serviceset identifier (ESSID), service set identifier (SSID), and media accesscontrol (MAC) address, or any combination thereof. For instance, thesystem 100 may capture a MAC address of a computing device 110wirelessly connected via Bluetooth. The system may capture identifyingaddresses by actively scanning or passively scanning for computingdevices 110 capable of wirelessly connecting to the system 100. Duringpassive scanning, the system 100 may attempt to locate computing devices110 broadcasting requests to connect to the system 100 by scanning aplurality of channels for requests. In an embodiment, the system 100 maydo this by transmitting a beacon frame to help synchronize computingdevices 110 over a network, which may be done intermittently orcontinuously. For instance, the system 100 may intermittently passivelyscan a plurality of channels for computing devices 110 attempting toconnect to the system 100 wirelessly once every thirty seconds. Duringactive scanning, the system 100 may attempt to locate and identifycomputing devices 110 broadcasting requests to connect to the system 100over a fixed channel. For instance, the system 100 may attempt toidentify a computing device 110 that has sent a request to connect tothe system 100 via Bluetooth. The captured identifying address may bestored in the computer readable medium 115. Alternatively, the capturedidentifying address may be stored in a database 145 operably connectedto the system 100. In an embodiment, the captured identifying address iscoupled to the time in which the captured identifying address wascaptured. In another preferred embodiment, the captured identifyingaddress is removed from the system 100 after a specified period of time.For instance, the captured identifying address is removed from thecomputer readable medium 115 seven days after capture.

A normal environmental state may be defined as the motion that a marinevehicle 205 normally experiences in its environment 200. In a preferredembodiment, the normal environmental state may comprise of a range ofenvironmental conditions in which a marine vehicle 205 normallyexperiences in its environment 200. For instance, the at least onesensor 125 of a system 100 may comprise of a GPS 125P, which may measureand transmit geospatial data relevant for determining geolocation. Oncethe processor 116 receives the geospatial data from the GPS 125P, theprocessor 116 may create a normal environmental state comprising ofgeospatial data. Geospatial data may be spatial data including, but notlimited to, numeric data, vector data, and raster data, or anycombination thereof. Numeric data may be statistical data which includesa geographical component or field that can be joined with vector filesso the data may be queried and displayed as a layer on a map in ageographic information system (GIS). Vector data may be data that has aspatial component, or X, Y coordinates assigned to it. Vector data maycontain sets of points, lines, or polygons that are referenced in ageographic space. Raster data may be data in a .JPG, .TIF, .GIF or otherpicture file format. For instance, a map scanned in a flatbed scannermay be considered raster data.

In another embodiment, the at least one sensor 125 may comprise avibration sensor 125G and light sensor 125E. The vibration sensor 125Gmay transmit vibration data to the processor 116, and the light sensor125E may transmit ambient light data to the processor 116. The processor116 may then create a normal environmental state comprising of vibrationdata and ambient light data. The normal environmental state may alsocomprise fewer environmental data points than may be measured by the atleast one sensors 125. For instance, a marine vehicle 205 having anelectronics sensor 12511, thermometer 125B, and humidity sensor 125Cmeasuring electrical activity, temperature, and relative humidity mayhave a normal state comprising of temperature and relative humidity. Assuch, one with skill in the art will recognize that a normalenvironmental state may comprise a number of different combinations ofdata without departing from the inventive subject matter as describedherein.

Alternatively, the system 100 may receive data from at least one sensor125 connected to a NMEA device. At least one sensors 125 that may beconnected to a NMEA device may include, but are not limited to, amicrophone 124, turbidity sensor 125A, thermometer 125B, humidity sensor125C, passive infrared sensor 125D, light sensor 125E, lightning sensor125F, vibration sensor 125G, electronics sensor 12511, engine monitor125I, microwave sensor 125J, radar 125K, wind transducer 125L, compass125M, depth transducer 125N, speed transducer 125O, GPS 125P, at leastone gyroscope 126, at least one accelerometer 127, at least onebarometer 128, and camera 129, or any combination thereof. In anotherembodiment, an ultrasonic sensor and area reflective sensor may attachto the NMEA device as well. The processor 116 may be operably connectedto the NMEA device in a way such that information may be transmitted tothe processor 116 from the at least one sensors 125 connected to theNMEA device. The processor 116 may then use this information whenassessing the normal environmental state and current environmental stateof a system 100. For instance, a system 100 operably connected to a NMEAdevice with a depth transducer 125N may transmit depth data that theprocessor 116 may use to create a normal environmental state or acurrent environmental state for the system 100. For instance, a system100 operably connected to a NMEA device with an engine monitor 125I maytransmit engine data that the processor 116 may use to create a normalenvironmental state or a current environmental state for the system 100.For instance, a system 100 operably connected to a NMEA device with aspeed transducer 125O may transmit velocity data that the processor 116may use to create a normal environmental state or a currentenvironmental state for the system 100.

In an embodiment, a plurality of normal environmental states 147 may bestored within the non-transitory computer-readable medium 115 of thesystem 100 in a way such that a user 105 may choose the normalenvironmental state for the marine vehicle 205, wherein each normalenvironmental state of the plurality of normal environmental states 147may be indicative of environmental conditions of a marine vehicle 205.Alternatively, the system 100 may store the plurality of normalenvironmental states 147 within a database 145. In an embodiment, thesystem 100 may create a custom normal environmental state based on datareceived by the processor 116 from the at least one sensor 125 and storeit on said non-transitory computer-readable medium 115. For instance, ifthe system 100 received geospatial data and vibration data from at leastone sensor 125, the normal environmental state may comprise geospatialdata indicating a particular geolocation and vibration data indicativeof minimal impacts with the marine vehicle 205 floorboard. In this way,a user 105 may create a custom normal environmental state for the system100 of a particular environment.

Alternatively, the system 100 may store the plurality of normalenvironmental states 147 in a database 145 operably connected to theprocessor 116. The database 145 may be a relational database such thatthe environmental data associated with each normal environmental statewithin the plurality of normal environmental states 147 may be stored,at least in part, in one or more tables. Alternatively, the database 145may be an object database such that the environmental data associatedwith each normal environmental state within the plurality of normalenvironmental states 147 may be stored, at least in part, as objects. Insome instances, the database 145 may comprise a relational and/or objectdatabase and a server 140 dedicated solely to managing the contentassigned to normal environmental states in the manner disclosed herein.

The processor 116 may also calculate a current environmental state asenvironmental data is received from the at least one sensor 125. Acurrent environmental state may be defined as the environmentalconditions the marine vehicle 205 is experiencing in real time. Forinstance, one current environmental state may be indicative of thepresent environmental conditions of a marine vehicle 205 sitting in aboat slip in terms of GPS 125P, electrical activity, and vibration,whereas another current environmental state may be indicative of thepresent environmental conditions of a marine vehicle 205 moving throughthe water in terms of noise, vibrations, and ambient light. Yet anotherexample of a current environmental state may be indicative of theenvironmental conditions of a marine vehicle 205 in terms of wind speed.For instance, a marine vehicle 205 sitting in a dry storage warehousemay have a wind speed of zero, while a marine vehicle 205 beingtransported on an interstate via a trailer may have a wind speed higherthan zero. Thus, the system 100 may detect the environmental conditionsof a marine vehicle 205 and determine the current environmental state ofthe system 100 so that it may be compared to the normal environmentalstate. Additionally, the current environmental state may comprise fewerenvironmental data points than may be measured by the at least onesensor 125. For instance, a marine vehicle 205 having at least onesensor 125 measuring temperature, humidity, and wind speed may have acurrent environmental state comprising wind speed and temperature data.As such, one with skill in the art will recognize that a currentenvironmental state may comprise a number of different combinations ofdata without departing from the inventive subject matter as describedherein.

Once the environmental data is combined to create a currentenvironmental state, the processor 116 may determine whether there hasbeen a changed environmental state by comparing the currentenvironmental state to the normal environmental state. For instance, aprocessor 116 receiving geospatial data from a GPS 125P may analyze thatdata to determine if the geospatial data differs from what the system100 expected. A changed environmental state may be defined as anydeviation from the normal environmental state of the system 100 that mayindicate that the marine vehicle 205 is being stolen or has been boardedwithout permission. In an embodiment, a sudden deviation from the normalenvironmental state may cause the system 100 to determine that a changedenvironmental state has occurred. The system 100 may determine whether achanged environmental state has occurred continuously or intermittently.For instance, a processor 116 continuously receiving environmental datafrom the at least one sensor 125 may continuously calculate a currentenvironmental state and compare that to a normal environmental state ofthe marine vehicle 205 to continuously determine whether a changedenvironmental state has occurred. For instance, a processor 116receiving data from the at least one sensor 125 every two seconds maycalculate a current environmental state and compare that to a normalenvironmental state of the marine vehicle 205 as often as the processor116 receives the environmental data to intermittently determine whethera changed environmental state has occurred. When the processor 116determines that a changed environmental state has occurred, theprocessor 116 may transmit a computer-readable signal.

In an embodiment, the at least one barometer 128, at least oneaccelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126 may be used inconjunction with a time measuring device to measure wave characteristicsexperienced by a marine vehicle 205 to determine a normal environmentalstate. For instance, the system 100 of a marine vehicle 205 having atleast one barometer 128 coupled to a time measuring device may be usedto measure the height, amplitude, period, and frequency of a wave. Bymeasuring the barometric pressure experienced by a marine vehicle 205 atthe crest of a wave and the trough of a wave, the system 100 maydetermine the height of a wave by taking the difference between thebarometric pressure at the crest and the barometric pressure at thetrough and converting the difference into an elevation 316 as describedabove. The amplitude of a wave may be calculated by dividing the heightby two. By measuring the time it takes a marine vehicle 205 to reachequivalent points on back to back waves, the system 100 may measure theperiod of a wave. In an embodiment, period may be measured from crest tocrest or trough to trough of each wave. The frequency may then bedetermined by taking the inverse of the period. Alternatively, thesystem 100 may calculate the frequency by averaging the periods of anumber of waves over a specified time period.

Using wave equations in addition to the barometric pressure data,acceleration data, and angular velocity data may allow the system 100 todetermine the normal environmental state of a marine vehicle 205 interms of wave motion. For instance, the system 100 may determine whethera marine vehicle 205 is experiencing deep water waves, intermediatewater waves, or shallow water waves. The system 100 may then use thisenvironmental data to determine the normal environmental state of amarine vehicle 205. Once the system 100 has determined the normalenvironmental state in terms of wave characteristics, the system 100 maycontinue to receive barometric pressure data, acceleration data, andangular velocity data to determine the current environmental state ofthe marine vehicle 205. Variations in the current environmental statefrom the normal environmental state may cause the system 100 todetermine that there has been a changed environmental state and causethe processor 116 to transmit a computer-readable signal. For instance,a marine vehicle 205 kept in shallow water may not experience any deepwater waves and may have a normal environmental state of zero deep waterwaves. A marine vehicle 205 that has been moved from its shallow waterlocation to a deep water location may experience deep water waves, whichmay be detected by the system 100 and cause the system 100 to recognizethat the current environmental state differs from the normalenvironmental state. The system 100 may then send a computer-readablesignal to alert a user 105 due to this changed environmental state.

In an embodiment, the computing device 110 may comprise a user interface111. A user 105 may choose the normal state of motion 400 and normalenvironmental state using the user interface 111. For instance, a marinevehicle 205 comprising a vibration sensor monitoring floor vibrationsand a microwave sensor monitoring windows and doors may have a normalenvironmental state comprising vibration data and motion data. If theuser 105 is planning on sleeping on the marine vehicle 205, it may beundesirable for the system 100 to detect vibration data because the user105 may cause the system 100 to transmit a computer-readable signal totrigger an alarm due to a changed environmental state simply by walking.A user 105 may interact with the user interface 111 in a way such that anormal environmental state comprising only motion data is chosen for thesystem 100. When the user 105 is not planning on sleeping on the marinevehicle 205, the user 105 may interact with the user interface 111 in away such that a normal environmental state comprising vibration data andmotion data is chosen for the system 100. Alternatively, the user 105may interact with the user interface 111 in a way such that the system100 is deactivated. In this way, the user 105 may control what thesystem 100 may monitor.

As mentioned previously, the system 100 may comprise a power supply 130.The power supply 130 may be any source of power that provides the system100 with electricity. In an embodiment, the power supply 130 may be atwelve-volt power supply. In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1,the system 100 may connect to a bus, such as a National MarineElectronics Association (NMEA) device, which may act as the system's 100power supply 130. In an embodiment, the bus is a NMEA 2000.Additionally, the system 100 may comprise of multiple power supplies 130that may provide power to the system 100 in different circumstances. Forinstance, the system 100 may be directly plugged into a stationary poweroutlet at a dock, which may provide continuous power to the system 100,and a NMEA device, which may provide power the system 100 away from thedock via the engine.

The system 100 may also be connected to a backup battery 131 so that thesystem 100 may receive power even when it is not connected to acontinuous power source. In this way, the system 100 may always have apower source so that it may monitor the motion and environment 200 of amarine vehicle 205 regardless of location. In another embodiment, thesystem 100 may operate in a low power mode by using at least onemicrocontroller. The at least one microcontroller may connect varioussensors of the system 100 to the processor 116 in a way such that theprocessor 116 may only receive a signal when the at least one barometer128, at least one accelerometer 127, at least one gyroscope 126, or atleast one sensor 125 detects a change. For instance, a microcontrolleroperably connecting an at least one accelerometer 127 to the processor116 may allow the processor 116 to receive a signal from the at leastone accelerometer 127 when the microcontroller determines that anacceleration has occurred.

FIG. 5 provides a flow chart 500 illustrating certain, preferred methodsteps that may be used to carry out the method for determining whether achanged environmental state has occurred. Step 505 indicates thebeginning of the method. During step 507, the system 100 may determinethe normal environmental state. In an embodiment, the system 100 maydetermine the normal environmental state by receiving environmental dataover a specified period of time from an at least one sensor 125 and thenperforming a hysteresis analysis on the data. In another embodiment, thesystem 100 may take the mean values of the environmental data pointsreceived from the at least one sensor 125 to determine the normalenvironmental state of the system 100. Alternatively, a user 105 mayselect a normal environmental state for the system 100 from a pluralityof normal environmental states 147 stored within the non-transitorycomputer-readable medium 115 or a database 145 operably connected to theprocessor 116. Once the system 100 has determined a normal environmentalstate, the processor 116 may receive environmental data from an at leastsensor during step 510 so that the system 100 may monitor theenvironmental conditions of the marine vehicle 205.

In step 515, the processor 116 may determine the current environmentalstate by combining the environmental data received from the at least onesensor 125. The current environmental state may comprise of all datapoints received by the processor 116 or fewer data points. After theprocessor 116 determines the current environmental state of the system100, the processor 116 may determine whether a changed environmentalstate has occurred during step 520. This may be done by comparing thecurrent environmental state to the normal environmental state of thesystem 100. If the processor 116 determines that the currentenvironmental state does not differ from the normal environmental stateenough to make a changed environmental state, the method may proceed tothe terminate method step 530. If the processor 116 determines that achanged environmental state has occurred, the method may proceed to step525. During step 525, the processor 116 may cause the system 100 totransmit a computer-readable signal due to the system 100 detecting achanged environmental state indicative of a theft or unpermitted entryon a marine vehicle 205. Once the computer-readable signal has beentransmitted, the method may proceed to the terminate method step 530.

FIG. 6 provides a flow chart 600 illustrating certain, preferred methodsteps that may be used to carry out the method for determining whether achanged state of motion has occurred. Step 605 indicates the beginningof the method. During step 607, the system 100 may determine the normalstate of motion 400. In an embodiment, the system 100 may determine thenormal state of motion 400 by receiving barometric pressure data,acceleration data, and angular velocity data received over a specifiedperiod of time from an at least one barometer 128, at least oneaccelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126 and then performing ahysteresis analysis on the data. In another embodiment, the system 100may take the mean values of the barometric pressure, acceleration, andangular velocity data points received from the at least one barometer128, at least one accelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126 todetermine the normal state of motion 400 of the system 100.Alternatively, a user 105 may select a normal state of motion 400 forthe system 100 from a plurality of normal states of motion 146 storedwithin the non-transitory computer-readable medium 115 or a database 145operably connected to the processor 116. Once the system 100 hasdetermined a normal state of motion 400, the processor 116 may receivebarometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity datafrom an at least one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, andat least one gyroscope 126 during steps 610, 613, and 615, respectively,so that the system 100 may monitor the motion of the marine vehicle 205.

In step 620, the processor 116 may determine the current state of motion300 by combining the barometric pressure data, acceleration data, andangular velocity data received from the at least one barometer 128, atleast one accelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126. The currentstate of motion 300 may comprise of all data points received by theprocessor 116 or fewer data points. After the processor 116 determinesthe current state of motion 300 of the system 100, the processor 116 maydetermine whether a changed state of motion has occurred during step625. This may be done by comparing the current state of motion 300 tothe normal state of motion 400 of the system 100. If the processor 116determines that the current state of motion 300 does not differ from thenormal state of motion 400 enough to make a changed state of motion, themethod may proceed to the terminate method step 635. If the processor116 determines that a changed state of motion has occurred, the methodmay proceed to step 630. During step 630, the processor 116 may causethe system 100 to transmit a computer-readable signal due to the system100 detecting a changed state of motion indicative of a theft orunpermitted entry on a marine vehicle 205. Once the computer-readablesignal has been transmitted, the method may proceed to the terminatemethod step 635.

FIG. 7 provides a flow chart 700 illustrating certain, preferred methodsteps that may be used to carry out the method for triggering an alarm.Step 705 indicates the beginning of the method. During step 707, thesystem 100 may determine the normal state of motion 400 and normalenvironmental state. In an embodiment, the system 100 may determine thenormal state of motion 400 by receiving barometric pressure data,acceleration data, and angular velocity data over a specified period oftime from an at least one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127,and at least one gyroscope 126 and then performing a hysteresis analysison the data. In an embodiment, the system 100 may determine the normalenvironmental state by receiving environmental data over a specifiedperiod of time from an at least one sensor 125 and then performing ahysteresis analysis on the data. In another embodiment, the system 100may take the mean values of the barometric pressure, acceleration,angular velocity, and environmental data points received from the atleast one barometer 128, at least one accelerometer 127, at least onegyroscope 126, and at least one sensor 125 to determine the normal stateof motion 400 and normal environmental state of the system 100.Alternatively, a user 105 may select a normal state of motion 400 andnormal environmental state for the system 100 from a plurality of normalstates of motion 146 and a plurality of normal environmental states 147stored within the non-transitory computer-readable medium 115 or adatabase 145 operably connected to the processor 116.

Once the system 100 has determined a normal state of motion 400, theprocessor 116 may check to determine if the system 100 is activatedduring step 710. If the processor 116 determines that the system 100 isnot activated, the system 100 may proceed to the terminate method step750. If the processor 116 determines that the system 100 is activated,the method may proceed to step 715. During step 715, the processor 116may check for the presence of a user 105. If the system 100 determinesthat a user 105 is present, the method may proceed to the terminatemethod step 750. If the processor 116 determines that the user 105 isnot present, the method may proceed to step 720. In an embodiment, thesystem 100 may wirelessly communicate with a computing device 110 of theuser 105 to determine if a user 105 is present. For instance, thecomputing device 110 of the user 105 may cause the system 100 todeactivate when the user 105 is within a specified range of the marinevehicle 205, such as Bluetooth 121B range. Alternatively, a user 105 maydisable this feature so that the system may be active while the user 105is present.

The processor 116 may receive barometric pressure data, accelerationdata, and angular velocity data from the at least one barometer 128, atleast one accelerometer 127 and at least one gyroscope 126,respectively, in step 720 to continue monitoring the motion of a marinevehicle 205. The processor 116 may then combine the barometric pressuredata, acceleration data, and angular velocity data to create a currentstate of motion 300. Once a current state of motion 300 has beencreated, the processor 116 may determine whether a changed state ofmotion has occurred by comparing the current state of motion 300 thenormal state of motion 400 of the system 100 during step 725. If theprocessor 116 determines that a changed state of motion has notoccurred, the method may proceed to step 730 and repeat step 715. If theprocessor 116 determines that a changed state of motion has occurred,the method may proceed to the trigger computer-readable signal step 745.During step 745, the system 100 may transmit a computer-readable signalsignifying a changed state of motion has been detected by the system 100indicative of a theft or unpermitted entry on a marine vehicle 205. Oncethe alarm has been triggered, step 750 terminates the method.

The processor 116 may check to determine whether at least one sensor 125is operably connected to the processor 116 in a way such thatenvironmental data may be received by the processor 116 during step 730.If the processor 116 determines that no at least one sensor 125 isoperably connected to the processor 116, the method may proceed to theterminate environmental conditions detection step 732 so that the system100 will no longer check for environmental conditions. If the processor116 determines that at least one sensor 125 is operably connected to theprocessor 116, the method may proceed to step 735. During step 735, theprocessor 116 may receive environmental data from the at least onesensor 125 as the at least one sensor 125 monitors environmentalconditions of the marine vehicle 205. The processor 116 may then combinethe environmental data to create a current environmental state. Once acurrent environmental state has been created, the processor 116 maydetermine whether a changed environmental state has occurred bycomparing the current environmental state to the normal environmentalstate of the system 100 during step 740. If the processor 116 determinesthat a changed environmental state has not occurred, the method mayrepeat step 735 until the system 100 is deactivated, the system 100determines a user 105 is present, or an alarm is triggered via anotherstep, thus terminating the method. If the processor 116 determines thata changed environmental state has occurred, the method may proceed tostep 745, in which the system 100 may transmit a computer-readablesignal signifying a changed environmental state indicative of a theft orunpermitted entry on a marine vehicle 205. After the alarm has beentriggered, step 750 terminates the method.

FIG. 8 provides a flow chart 800 illustrating certain, preferred methodsteps that may be used to carry out the method for creating a normalenvironmental state using wave characteristics. Step 805 indicates thebeginning of the method. During steps 810, 811, and 812, the processor116 may receive barometric pressure data, acceleration data, and angularvelocity data from the at least one barometer 128, at least oneaccelerometer 127, and at least one gyroscope 126, respectively. Theprocessor 116 may also receive time data from a time measuring deviceduring step 813, wherein said time data is coupled to said barometricpressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity data. Theprocessor 116 may then transform the time data, barometric pressuredata, acceleration data, and angular velocity data into wavecharacteristics, including, but not limited to, height, acceleration,velocity, amplitude, frequency, and wavelength in step 815. In oneembodiment, the processor 116 may further receive depth data from adepth transducer 125N to calculate the wave characteristics. Once theprocessor 116 has calculated wave characteristics, the processor 116 mayuse the wave characteristics and wave equations to determine the normalenvironmental state of the marine vehicle 205. In an embodiment,two-dimensional wave equations may be used to determine the normalenvironmental state; however, one-dimensional and three-dimensional waveequations may be used to determine the normal environmental statewithout departing from the inventive subject matter as described herein.In yet another embodiment, the system 100 may determine the normalenvironmental state of the system 100 in terms of the amount of shallowwater waves, intermediate water waves, and deep water waves a marinevehicle 205 is expected to experience over a given time period. Once thenormal environmental state has been determined by the processor 116, thesystem 100 may save the normal environmental state within anon-transitory computer-readable medium 115 or database 145 in step 820before proceeding the terminate method step 825.

The subject matter described herein may be embodied in systems,apparati, methods, and/or articles depending on the desiredconfiguration. In particular, various implementations of the subjectmatter described herein may be realized in digital electronic circuitry,integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/orcombinations thereof. These various implementations may includeimplementation in one or more computer programs that may be executableand/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least oneprogrammable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupledto receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data andinstructions to, a storage system, and at least one input/output device.

These computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs,software, software applications, applications, components, or code, mayinclude machine instructions for a programmable processor, and may beimplemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-orientedprogramming language, and/or in assembly machine language. As usedherein, the term “computer readable medium” refers to any computerprogram, product, apparatus, and/or device, such as magnetic discs,optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used toprovide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor,including a non-transitory computer readable medium that receivesmachine instructions as a computer-readable signal. The term“computer-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machineinstructions and/or data to a programmable processor. To provide forinteraction with a user 105, the subject matter described herein may beimplemented on a computer having a display device, such as a cathode raytube (CRD), liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting display (LED)monitor for displaying information to the user 105 and a keyboard and apointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, by which the user 105may provide input to the computer. Displays may include, but are notlimited to, visual, auditory, cutaneous, kinesthetic, olfactory, andgustatory displays, or any combination thereof.

Other kinds of devices may be used to facilitate interaction with a user105 as well. For example, feedback provided to the user 105 may be anyform of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, ortactile feedback; and input from the user 105 may be received in anyform including, but not limited to, acoustic, speech, or tactile input.The subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computingsystem that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, orthat includes a middleware component, such as an application server, orthat includes a front-end component, such as a client computer having agraphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user 105 mayinteract with the system 100 described herein, or any combination ofsuch back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components ofthe system 100 may be interconnected by any form or medium of digitaldata communication, such as a communication network. Examples ofcommunication networks may include, but are not limited to, a local areanetwork (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), metropolitan area networks(“MAN”), and the internet.

The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do notrepresent all implementations consistent with the subject matterdescribed herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent withaspects related to the described subject matter. Although a fewvariations have been described in detail above, other modifications oradditions are possible. In particular, further features and/orvariations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. Forexample, the implementations described above can be directed to variouscombinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/orcombinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosedabove. In addition, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying figuresand/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular ordershown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. It will bereadily understood to those skilled in the art that various otherchanges in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts andmethod stages which have been described and illustrated in order toexplain the nature of this inventive subject matter can be made withoutdeparting from the principles and scope of the inventive subject matter.

What is claimed is:

A system for determining activity on and around a marine vehicle basedon barometric pressure data, the system comprising:

-   -   at least one barometer,        -   wherein said barometer is configured to detect barometric            pressure data and transmit said barometric pressure data,    -   a processor operably connected to said at least one barometer,    -   a communication device operably connected to said processor,    -   a power supply,    -   a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to said        processor and having instructions stored thereon, which, when        executed by said processor, cause said processor to perform        operations comprising:        -   receiving said barometric pressure data from said at least            one barometer,        -   determining changes in elevation based on said barometric            pressure data,        -   determining a normal state of motion based on said            barometric pressure data,        -   determining a changed state of motion based on said            barometric pressure data and normal state of motion,        -   outputting a computer-readable signal via said communication            device when it is determined that said changed state of            motion has occurred.

The system of claim 1, further comprising:

-   -   at least one gyroscope,        -   wherein said at least one gyroscope is configured to detect            angular velocity in at least one direction and transmit said            angular velocity data,    -   additional instructions stored on said non-transitory        computer-readable medium, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform additional operations        comprising:        -   receiving said angular velocity data transmitted by said at            least one gyroscope,        -   determining a normal state of motion based on said angular            velocity data and barometric pressure data,        -   determining a changed state of motion based on said angular            velocity data, barometric pressure data, and normal state of            motion.

The system of claim 1, further comprising a housing,

-   -   wherein said at least one accelerometer, at least one gyroscope,        processor, and non-transitory computer-readable medium are        contained within said housing,    -   wherein said housing is weather resistant.

The system of claim 1, wherein said non-transitory computer-readablemedium stores data transmitted to and from said processor.

The system of claim 1, further comprising a database operably connectedto said processor,

-   -   wherein said database contains a plurality of normal states of        motion,    -   wherein said normal state of motion is chosen from said        plurality of normal states of motion.

The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor operablyconnected to said processor,

-   -   wherein said at least one sensor detects environmental        conditions and transmits environmental data to said processor,    -   additional instructions stored on said non-transitory        computer-readable medium, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform additional operations        comprising:        -   receiving said environmental data transmitted by said at            least one sensor,        -   determining a normal environmental state based on said            environmental data,        -   determining a changed environmental state based on said            environmental data and normal environmental state, and        -   outputting said computer-readable signal when it is            determined that said changed environmental state has            occurred.

The system of claim 6, wherein said at least one sensor comprises atleast one of a microphone, turbidity sensor, thermometer, humiditysensor, passive infrared sensor, light sensor, lightning sensor,vibration sensor, ultrasonic sensor, electronics sensor, engine monitor,microwave sensor, radar, wind transducer, compass, depth transducer,speed transducer, area reflective sensor, global positioning system, andcamera.

The system of claim 1, further comprising a computing device operablyconnected to said processor,

-   -   wherein said computing device is programmed to receive        information from said processor and send information to said        processor.

The system of claim 8, further comprising:

-   -   an input/output device operably connected to said processor and        said computing device,    -   a plurality of input/output device functions stored on said        non-transitory computer-readable medium, which, when executed by        said processor, cause said input/output device to perform an        action,    -   additional instructions stored on said non-transitory        computer-readable medium, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform additional operations        comprising:        -   receiving said input/output device function selected by said            user, and        -   executing said input/output device function to cause said            input/output device to perform an action.

The system of claim 1, further comprising an indoor positioning system,

-   -   wherein said indoor positioning system is configured to detect a        peripheral device located on said marine vehicle,    -   wherein removal of said peripheral device from said marine        vehicle will cause the processor to output a computer-readable        signal.

A system for determining activity on a marine vehicle based onacceleration and velocity data and angular velocity data, the systemcomprising:

-   -   at least one accelerometer,        -   wherein said at least one accelerometer is configured to            detect acceleration and velocity        -   in at least two directions and transmit said acceleration            and velocity data, at least one gyroscope,    -   wherein said at least one gyroscope is configured to detect        angular velocity in at least one direction and transmit said        angular velocity data,    -   a processor operably connected to said at least one        accelerometer and at least one gyroscope,    -   a communication device operably connected to said processor,    -   a power supply,    -   a computer-readable medium coupled to said processor and having        instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform operations        comprising:        -   receiving said acceleration and velocity data transmitted by            said at least one accelerometer,        -   receiving said angular velocity data transmitted by said at            least one gyroscope,        -   determining a normal state of motion based on said            acceleration and velocity data and angular velocity data            received by said processor,        -   determining a changed state of motion based on said            acceleration and velocity data, angular velocity data, and            normal state of motion, and        -   outputting a computer-readable signal via said communication            device when it is determined that said changed state of            motion has occurred,    -   wherein said non-transitory computer-readable medium stores data        transmitted to and from said processor.

The system of claim 11, further comprising:

-   -   at least one barometer coupled to said processor,        -   wherein said barometer is configured to detect barometric            pressure data and transmit said barometric pressure data,    -   said instructions stored on said non-transitory        computer-readable medium, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform additional operations        comprising:        -   receiving said barometric pressure data from said at least            one barometer,        -   determining changes in elevation based on said barometric            pressure data,        -   determining a normal state of motion based on said            acceleration and velocity data, angular velocity data, and            barometric pressure data received by said processor, and        -   determining a changed state of motion based on said            acceleration and velocity data, angular velocity data,            barometric pressure data, and normal state of motion.

The system of claim 11, further comprising a database operably connectedto said processor,

-   -   wherein said database contains a plurality of normal states of        motion,    -   wherein said normal state of motion is chosen from said        plurality of normal states of motion.

The system of claim 11, further comprising:

-   -   at least one sensor operably connected to said processor,        -   wherein said at least one sensor detects environmental            conditions and transmits environmental data to said            processor,    -   additional instructions stored on said non-transitory        computer-readable medium, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform additional operations        comprising:        -   receiving said environmental data transmitted by said at            least one sensor,        -   determining a normal environmental state based on said            environmental data,        -   determining a changed environmental state based on said            environmental data and normal environmental state, and        -   outputting said computer-readable signal when it is            determined that said changed environmental state has            occurred.

The system of claim 11, further comprising a computing device operablyconnected to said processor,

-   -   wherein said computing device is programmed to receive        information from said processor and send information to said        processor.

The system of claim 15, further comprising:

-   -   an input/output device operably connected to said processor and        said computing device,    -   a plurality of input/output device functions stored on said        non-transitory computer-readable medium, which, when executed by        said processor, cause said input/output device to perform an        action,    -   said instructions stored on said non-transitory        computer-readable medium, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform additional operations        comprising:        -   receiving said input/output device function selected by said            user, and        -   executing said input/output device function to cause said            input/output device to perform an action.

The system of claim 11, further comprising an indoor positioning system,

-   -   wherein said indoor positioning system is configured to detect a        peripheral device located on said marine vehicle,    -   wherein removal of said peripheral device from said marine        vehicle will cause the processor to output said        computer-readable signal.

A system for determining activity on and around a marine vehicle basedon acceleration and velocity data and barometric pressure data, thesystem comprising:

-   -   at least one accelerometer,        -   wherein said at least one accelerometer is configured to            detect acceleration and velocity in at least two directions            and transmit said acceleration and velocity data,    -   at least one barometer,        -   wherein said barometer is configured to detect barometric            pressure data and transmit said barometric pressure data,    -   a processor operably connected to said at least one        accelerometer and at least one barometer,    -   a communication device operably connected to said processor,    -   a power supply,    -   a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to said        processor and having instructions stored thereon, which, when        executed by said processor, cause said processor to perform        operations comprising:        -   receiving said acceleration and velocity data transmitted by            said at least one accelerometer,        -   receiving said barometric pressure data transmitted by said            at least one barometer,        -   determining changes in elevation based on said barometric            pressure data,        -   determining a normal state of motion based on said            acceleration and velocity data and barometric pressure data            received by said processor,        -   determining a changed state of motion based on said            acceleration and velocity data, barometric pressure data,            and normal state of motion, and        -   outputting a computer-readable signal via said communication            device when it is determined that said changed state of            motion has occurred,    -   wherein said non-transitory computer-readable medium stores data        transmitted to and from said processor.

The system of claim 18, further comprising a database operably connectedto said processor,

-   -   wherein said database contains a plurality of normal states of        motion,    -   wherein said normal state of motion is chosen from said        plurality of normal states of motion.

The system of claim 18, further comprising at least one sensor operablyconnected to said processor,

-   -   wherein said at least one sensor detects environmental        conditions and transmits environmental data to said processor,    -   said instructions stored on said non-transitory        computer-readable medium, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform additional operations        comprising:        -   receiving said environmental data transmitted by said at            least one sensor,        -   determining a normal environmental state based on said            environmental data,        -   determining a changed environmental state based on said            environmental data and normal environmental state, and        -   outputting said computer-readable signal when it is            determined that said changed environmental state has            occurred.

The system of claim 18, further comprising a computing device operablyconnected to said processor,

-   -   wherein said computing device is programmed to receive        information from said processor and send information to said        processor.

The system of claim 21, further comprising:

-   -   an input/output device operably connected to said processor and        said computing device,    -   a plurality of input/output device functions stored on said        non-transitory computer-readable medium, which, when executed by        said processor, cause said input/output device to perform an        action,    -   said instructions stored on said non-transitory        computer-readable medium, which, when executed by said        processor, cause said processor to perform additional operations        comprising:        -   receiving said input/output device function selected by said            user, and        -   executing said input/output device function to cause said            input/output device to perform an action.

The system of claim 18, further comprising an indoor positioning system,

-   -   wherein said indoor positioning system is configured to detect a        peripheral device located on said marine vehicle,    -   wherein removal of said peripheral device from said marine        vehicle will cause the processor to output said        computer-readable signal.

A method for determining activity on and around a marine vehicle basedbarometric pressure data, the system comprising:

-   -   receiving barometric pressure data from at least one barometer,    -   determining changes in elevation based on said barometric        pressure data,    -   determining a normal state of motion based on said barometric        pressure data,    -   determining a changed state of motion based on said barometric        pressure data and normal state of motion,    -   outputting a computer-readable signal via said communication        device when it is determined that said changed state of motion        has occurred.

The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of:

-   -   receiving acceleration data from at least one accelerometer,    -   receiving angular velocity data from at least one gyroscope,    -   determining a normal state of motion based on said barometric        pressure data, acceleration data, and angular velocity data,    -   determining a changed state of motion based on said barometric        pressure data and normal state of motion, acceleration data, and        angular velocity data.

The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of:

-   -   receiving time data coupled to said barometric pressure data,        acceleration data, and angular velocity data,    -   using wave equations with said time data, barometric pressure        data, acceleration data, and angular velocity data to determine        wave characteristics,    -   determining a normal environmental state based on said wave        characteristics,    -   determining a changed environmental state based on said wave        characteristics and normal environmental state.

1. A system for determining activity on and around a marine vehiclecomprising: a processor, at least one sensor operably connected to saidprocessor, wherein said at least one sensor detects environmentalconditions and transmits environmental data to said processor, a powersupply, a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to saidprocessor and having instructions stored thereon, which, when executedby said processor, cause said processor to perform operationscomprising: receiving said environmental data transmitted by said atleast one sensor, determining a normal environmental state based on saidenvironmental data, and determining a changed environmental state basedon said environmental data and said normal environmental state.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said processor continuously checks for saidchanged environmental state.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein saidprocessor intermittently checks for said changed environmental state. 4.The system of claim 1, further comprising a communication deviceoperably connected to said processor.
 5. The system of claim 4, furthercomprising additional instructions stored on said non-transitorycomputer-readable medium, which, when executed by said processor, causesaid processor to perform additional operations comprising: scanning foran identifying address, and saving said identifying address whendiscovered.
 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising said additionalinstructions stored on said non-transitory computer-readable medium,which, when executed by said processor, cause said processor to performsaid additional operations comprising: determining whether saididentifying address matches a computing device, and changing said normalenvironmental state if said identifying address matches said computingdevice.
 7. The system of claim 4, further comprising additionalinstructions stored on said non-transitory computer-readable medium,which, when executed by said processor, cause said processor to performadditional operations comprising: outputting a computer-readable signalvia said communication device when it is determined that said changedenvironmental state has occurred.
 8. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of normal environmental states, wherein saidnormal environmental state is one of said plurality of normalenvironmental states.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said pluralityof normal environmental states is stored on a database.
 10. The systemof claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor detects more than one typeof said environmental data.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said atleast one sensor comprises at least one of a pressure sensor,accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone, turbidity sensor, thermometer,humidity sensor, passive infrared sensor, light sensor, lightningsensor, vibration sensor, ultrasonic sensor, electronics sensor, enginemonitor, microwave sensor, radar, wind transducer, compass, depthtransducer, speed transducer, area reflective sensor, global positioningsystem, and camera.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising acomputing device operably connected to said processor, wherein saidcomputing device is programmed to receive information from saidprocessor and send information to said processor.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising: an input/output device operably connectedto said processor and said computing device, a plurality of input/outputdevice functions stored on said non-transitory computer-readable medium,which, when executed by said processor, cause said input/output deviceto perform an action, additional instructions stored on saidnon-transitory computer-readable medium, which, when executed by saidprocessor, cause said processor to perform additional operationscomprising: receiving said input/output device function selected by saiduser, and executing said input/output device function to cause saidinput/output device to perform an action.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein said input/output device comprises at least one of a camera,audio device, light source, and kill switch.
 15. The system of claim 1,further comprising an indoor positioning system, said indoor positioningsystem comprising: an anchor node operably connected to said processorand a peripheral device, wherein said anchor node has a known positionon said marine vehicle, wherein said anchor node transmits a peripherallocation to said processor, said peripheral device operably connected tosaid processor and said anchor node, wherein said peripheral devicetransmits a location signal to said anchor node and said processor,additional instructions stored on said non-transitory computer-readablemedium, which, when executed by said processor, cause said processor toperform additional operations comprising: receiving said location signaltransmitted by said peripheral device, receiving said peripherallocation from said anchor node, determining said normal environmentalstate based on said known position, peripheral location, and locationsignal, and determining said changed environmental state based on saidlocation signal and normal environmental state.
 16. A system fordetermining activity on and around a marine vehicle comprising: aprocessor, an anchor node operably connected to said processor and aperipheral device, wherein said anchor node has a known position on saidmarine vehicle, wherein said anchor node transmits a peripheral locationto said processor, said peripheral device operably connected to saidprocessor and said anchor node, wherein said peripheral device transmitsa location signal to said anchor node and said processor, a powersupply, a computer-readable medium coupled to said processor and havinginstructions stored thereon, which, when executed by said processor,cause said processor to perform operations comprising: receiving saidlocation signal transmitted by said peripheral device, receiving saidperipheral location from said anchor node, determining said normalenvironmental state based on said known position, peripheral location,and location signal, and determining said changed environmental statebased on said location signal and normal environmental state.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, further comprising a communication device operablyconnected to said processor.
 18. The system of claim 17, furthercomprising additional instructions stored on said non-transitorycomputer-readable medium, which, when executed by said processor, causesaid processor to perform additional operations comprising: scanning foran identifying address, and saving said identifying address whendiscovered.
 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising saidadditional instructions stored on said non-transitory computer-readablemedium, which, when executed by said processor, cause said processor toperform said additional operations comprising: determining whether saididentifying address matches a computing device, and changing said normalenvironmental state if said identifying address matches said computingdevice.
 20. The system of claim 17, further comprising additionalinstructions stored on said non-transitory computer-readable medium,which, when executed by said processor, cause said processor to performadditional operations comprising: outputting a computer-readable signalvia said communication device when it is determined that said changedenvironmental state has occurred.
 21. The system of claim 16, furthercomprising a plurality of normal environmental states, wherein saidnormal environmental state is one of said plurality of normalenvironmental states.
 22. The system of claim 16, further comprising acomputing device operably connected to said processor, wherein saidcomputing device is programmed to receive information from saidprocessor and send information to said processor.
 23. The system ofclaim 22, further comprising: an input/output device operably connectedto said processor and said computing device, a plurality of input/outputdevice functions stored on said non-transitory computer-readable medium,which, when executed by said processor, cause said input/output deviceto perform an action, additional instructions stored on saidnon-transitory computer-readable medium, which, when executed by saidprocessor, cause said processor to perform additional operationscomprising: receiving said input/output device function selected by saiduser, and executing said input/output device function to cause saidinput/output device to perform an action.
 24. The system of claim 23,wherein said input/output device comprises at least one of a camera,audio device, light source, and kill switch.
 25. A method for creatingenvironmental condition alerts for a marine vehicle, the methodcomprising the steps of: receiving environmental data from an at leastone sensor of said marine vehicle in a first environment, creating afirst normal environmental state from said environmental data of saidfirst environment, saving said first normal environmental state,receiving environmental data from an at least one sensor of said marinevehicle in a second environment, creating a second normal environmentalstate from said environmental data of said second environment, andsaving said second normal environmental state.
 26. The method of claim25, further comprising the steps of: selecting a normal environmentalstate from a plurality of environmental states, wherein said pluralityof environmental states comprises at least said first normalenvironmental state and said second normal environmental state.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, further comprising the steps of: determining achanged environmental state based on said environmental data and saidnormal environmental state.
 28. The method of claim 27, furthercomprising the steps of: outputting a computer-readable signal when itis determined that said changed environmental state has occurred.